Tory MP exodus almost entirely former Remain supporters

Almost all of the Conservative MPs quitting politics ahead of the forthcoming general election voted to remain in the European Union at the 2016 referendum.

Senior figures from the moderate wing of the party who are leaving Parliament include former Cabinet ministers Sir Michael Fallon, Sir Patrick McLoughlin and Nicky Morgan.

Former de facto deputy prime minister Sir David Lidington, as well as Boris Johnson’s brother, Jo, are also standing down ahead of the poll.

Twenty-five current Tories, including six women, have announced they will not seek reelection when the country votes in December.

Just two of the 25 said they voted Leave in the EU referendum, and many are part of the so-called One Nation caucus of centrist MPs.

The exodus has provoked concern that the Tories will shift further to the right in the next election with the loss of prominent moderates.

The likes of Ms Morgan, Seema Kennedy and Mims Davies, who are widely viewed as being in their political prime, will be seen as a big loss for the party.

Former Tories Nick Boles, Ken Clarke, Guto Bebb, Sir Oliver Letwin, Justine Greening, Rory Stewart and Amber Rudd are also not seeking reelection and all said they voted to Remain.

Ex-home secretary Ms Rudd said it was “very sad” to see “so many younger Conservative women leaving Parliament”.

The abuse and threats of violence faced in particular by female parliamentarians has been a factor in some decisions to stand down.

Announcing her decision, Ms Morgan said: “The clear impact on my family and the other sacrifices involved in, and the abuse for, doing the job of a modern MP can only be justified if, ultimately, Parliament does what it is supposed to do – represent those we serve in all areas of policy, respect votes cast by the electorate and make decisions in the overall national interest.”

Conservative Party chairman James Cleverly said it was “heartbreaking” if his colleagues were leaving because of online and physical abuse.

He tweeted: “MPs need to be resilient, we understand that a political life is unpredictable and very often stressful.

“But hearing so many good colleagues, particularly women, leaving Parliament because of online and physical abuse is heartbreaking.”

In total 67 female Tory MPs were elected in 2017.

Nine of them, 13%, have so far said they are standing down at this election, six who are still Tory MPs, three who are ex Tory MPs.

All of them said they voted Remain in the 2016 referendum except Ms Davies.

By contrast 250 male Tory MPs were elected in 2017.

Twenty four of these have so far said they are standing down, 19 of whom are still Tory MPs, five of whom are ex-Tory MPs.

All of them said they voted Remain except Glyn Davies.